Meredith Baxter, Star of the '80s Sitcom 'Family Ties,' Says She is a Lesbian

Meredith Baxter, former star of 1980s sitcom hit Family Ties, has made the announcement today, at 62, that she is a lesbian. On the Today show with Matt Lauer she confirmed rumors that she is indeed a lesbian and has been living as a lesbian for the past seven years. She has been involved in a four-year relationship with contractor Nancy Locke.

Baxter went on to say that she did not discover her sexual identity until later in life but it seemed to answer a lot of questions about why her previous three marriages had failed.

In the interview with Matt Lauer she went on to say that her children have been supportive of her choices and that it was far easier to tell them then she ever thought it would ever be.

Her former co stars from Family Ties are aware that she is gay. She has maintained a close friendship with Michael Gross and his wife throughout the years. She went on to say that she, her partner Nancy, Gross, and his wife often go out for dinner together.

When Baxter was asked by she has chosen to come out now after all these years she stated that she did not want a tabloid to write the story with a bad spin so it was better to just make the announcement herself.

I commend Baxter for coming forth so late in life with her announcement. No one should ever be ashamed or embarrassed about who they are. I think that many attitudes are changing today as more and more people can walk forward proudly to announce they are gay without fear of discrimination.

Baxter joins the ranks of such notables as Melissa Etheridge, Ellen DeGeneres, Wanda Sykes, Lindsay Lohan, Jodie Foster and Cynthia Nixon. All of these women have been brave enough to step forward proudly and make the announcement that they are also lesbians. Other Hollywood notables such as Angelina Jolie and Drew Barrymore have publicly proclaimed their bi sexuality without hesitation. None of these announcements have seemed to effect the popularity of these talented actress or even swayed public opinion. This shows the forward thinking that the American public exhibits today verses twenty or thirty years ago.

I think its wonderful that more people are accepted for their talent and who they truly are instead of having sexuality even remotely play a part in anything. A persons choice in a partner is a serious issue. These women should be commended for being open and honest. We should also feel happy that so many of them seem to have found a relationship that truly works because we all know that in Hollywood that is no easy task. Relationships seem to come and go there on a daily basis with no real commitment even if it is a marriage.

I believe that whatever works and makes someone happy is perfect and ideal. Baxter has made a bold step forward late in her life which must have been extremely scary for her since her generation did not openly accept being gay as the generation of Lindsay Lohan and others.

I'm sure that the vast majority of American people wish Baxter nothing but the best and her sexuality plays no part in marring that fact that she is a talented actress.

Sources:

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